America's Voice Research On Immigration Reform

Report: “The Power of the Latino Vote in America”

Published by: America's Voice

AUGUST 2010 UPDATE | Download PDF | Download Recording of Telephonic | Press Release

Latino Voter Trends in Recent Election Cycles

Over the past decade, Latino voters have increased their political power and made a decisive impact in races at all levels, including the presidential election.  In 2010, Latino voters are poised to play a crucial role in key House, Senate, and gubernatorial races across the country. 

Many analysts have noted that as the Latino electorate grows in size and power, candidates from all political parties must take their views into account to remain viable in an increasing number of races.  While the Latino electorate is trending Democratic overall, at least one segment—foreign-born, naturalized U.S. citizens of Latino descent, who represent 40% of the Latino voter population—has proven to be a true swing constituency.   

Candidates for political office in 2010, elected officials, and political strategists would be wise to not just look at how Latino voters are likely to vote this cycle, but why.  In particular, in an election cycle in which immigration is likely to play a major role in many races, the way Latino voters view the partisan dimensions of the immigration debate is of crucial importance in 2010 and beyond.

This updated report lays out trends in Latino voting patterns over the last several years, and examines some of the factors that influence this segment of the electorate.  The report features a list of “Races to Watch”—forty-one battleground House, Senate and gubernatorial contests where Latino voters will play a key role—and details the congressional districts where Latino voting power is most concentrated.

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